Stellenbosch Week 8

All – 

This week has had it's up's and downs. Honestly probably one of the worst weeks on mission so far.  I learned that my grandpa passed away on Friday.  So that was tough to handle while also still trying to be the missionary I want to be.  But, I've found comfort in knowing that I'll be able to see him again and that he's a lot happier and with grandma now.  It makes me appreciate the Plan of Happiness so much more now.  And, I'm so very grateful that families can be together forever.  Also, I am grateful for Elder Stock and Elder Cantrell, who are some guys in our district, as they came up to me after I got off the phone with my parents, and talked to me and just made me feel like I wasn't alone.  They're the best.  

But on happier note I did see an old homeless man take a dump in the middle of the street. So that was just great, it was actually pretty funny, but also gross.  Also, we were working out in the morning and a chameleon feel out of the tree onto the grass which was honestly really cool and it made my day.  I got to just look at and take pictures of it.  Chameleons are cool and they are probably one of my favorite kinds of lizards. The way they move is just so cool, and the way their hands are make them honestly look like they're from some other planet.  I'm so grateful for God's creations as they make me so happy.  

We still are teaching a lot of lessons on campus, but most of the students we meet with are basically just Bible bashers.  But it is lowkey and a blessing in disguise because now I know my bible scriptures a lot better.  It has also taught me to defend what I believe within the bible.  It's so funny when you completely beat a basher in an argument and they just don’t know what to say.  Then they get mad and speak Afrikaans at us, and of course I have no idea what they're saying, but I'm sure it's not anything nice, hahahaha.  But still I try to do it in a loving way and help them understand, but they usually let their pride get the best of them which is sad.  

We got 4 people to church this Sunday which was awesome we got Alex, Jacques, and John!!! I'm so happy he finally came and John loved it.  We also got Caleb to come, who is a members boyfriend, he's awesome.  I also got to speak at church which was cool to be able to talk about "come unto Christ and be perfected in him," it was cool to get to speak in front of the people we're teaching.  Also, we had this lesson with a girl who hated Elder Haas and asked if she could only meet with me. Which was so funny, it made Elder Haas kind of mad, but it was pretty funny to me.  She just needed us to explain things to her a couple times and he lost patience.  She was a little crazy though. 

We met this guy named is Mark Harrison, I guess he's the grandson of the man who started Marriott Hotels. So basically, he's loaded.  He's probably one of the funniest guys I've met.  He showed up at the end of church with his Russian fiancé.  He wants us to come teach him and his fiancé.  So, I'm excited for that but I feel like it's just going to be a rollercoaster.  

We got to meet with Brother David and his family again.  I also got to drive there, so that was cool getting to drive in a township which was crazy: the roads are super narrow and people are just flying up and down. Also, there are people and dogs always crossing the street, so you have to be so careful, it was cool though. They are my favorite people I've met so far.  They are just so fun to talk to and they love asking us about America.  They asked to see a picture of my family and I showed them.  They said that my sisters look like models, which was sweet but so funny because the way they say it, it is like they are 100% serious … it makes it so funny.  But they are just the most humble people and they have almost nothing.  I love them so much!!  Also, Elder Haas got chased by a couple township dogs, it was so funny because when I walked by them they just walked with me … it was so funny. 

For P-Day we went to play basketball ball in Cape Town with our zone. And we went to water front which was super fun. 

A scripture I like is Alma 53:20-21 

                     "20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. 

21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him." 

I love these verses because its exactly how I want to be as a missionary and as a man.  I love the part when it says "they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted." 

I miss and love all of you!!

-Elder Quick 

Also Go Utes and go Ducks.  It was great to see that BYU got smacked by Oregon.  Shout out to my boy HARRY!!!!.